80-year-old great-grandmother from Whitsbury hand-knits wedding dress

Shirley Ellicott from Whitsbury  is a mother of five, a grandmother to 11 grandchildren and has 10 great-grandchildren.

She taught herself the art of embroidery, sewing, knitting and crochet and has created christening gowns, shawls, and prom dresses but this is her first knitted wedding dress. 

Shirley Ellicott and the hand-knitted wedding dress (Image: Laura Cowdery)Read more: Large parts of Queen Elizabeth Gardens under water

She said: “It’s amazing what two needles can do. I’ve sewn a wedding dress before, but have always wanted to knit one. I wanted to do it properly so I found a pattern and off I went. I just get a bee in my bonnet sometimes and just go for it.”

The result is an elegant, size 12-14, 1930s vintage-style cotton gown with a wonderful wide train at the bass and pearl-effect button detail.

Shirley and the hand-knitted wedding dress (Image: Laura Cowdery)Read more: Doctor Who writer's new production to launch at Salisbury Playhouse

The dress can be viewed at AVCM's charity shop on the Hight Street in Fordingbridge and a portion of the proceeds of the sale will go towards AVCM’s community outreach projects.

Shirley has already started on her next project alongside several other commissions – a unique knitted jacket.

Shirley also provides weekly knit and natter sessions at the charity shop on Friday mornings at 10am and AVCM runs the Superstars Playgroup from 9.30am during term-time on Friday mornings at St Mary's Church Hall in Fordingbridge. 

For more information on the charity's community outreach projects visit avcmatters.org